What to keep in mind when choosing an industrial robot marketplace

Picking the right marketplace for your industrial robots can make a big difference in whether you start things off on the right track — or end up falling by the wayside. 

Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Reputation matters: Before you make a purchase, it’s a good idea to check out what others are saying. You want a marketplace with solid reviews and a history of delivering on promises. Customer feedback gives you a peek into the real-world experiences of other buyers, which can help you avoid nasty issues down the road.
  
  A bad reputation should be a total deal-breaker. 
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• Product variety: While, as a general rule of thumb, a good platform should offer a wide range of robots and automation tools covering different industries and needs, this is not always the case. Sometimes, a hyper-focused platform will give you better-quality options than a jack-of-all-trades.
  
  It all depends on what you’re looking for. 
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• Pricing transparency and purchasing options: Clear and upfront pricing is a must. Steer clear of platforms that play games with costs or have confusing pricing structures. Look for marketplaces that lay it all out and offer multiple ways to purchase — whether you want to lease, rent, or buy outright.
  
  This flexibility helps you stay on budget and find the best deal for your business.

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Top industrial robot marketplaces to explore today

Here are some of the best industrial robot marketplaces where you can find exactly what you need, with Standard Bots standing out for its extra-special offering.
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1. Standard Bots

Standard Bots might not be your typical marketplace, but it’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for the best robot arm.

RO1, the six-axis collaborative cobot arm, is the perfect pick if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, safe, top-of-the-line automation solution. 

Pros:

• Safe and collaborative: RO1 is built to be user-friendly and effective, which is ideal for businesses that need this specific type of automation tool.
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• AI-powered: RO1 is powered by AI on par with GPT-4 and requires absolutely no coding to operate, making it accessible to newbies and pros alike. 
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• Clear pricing: You’ll know exactly what you’re paying — no surprises or hidden costs. Plus, Standard Bots offers an extremely attractive lease model for RO1 starting from $5/hr. 
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• Extra flexible: RO1 earns a spot on this list because it can handle a wide variety of industrial tasks, meaning you get plenty of industrial solutions in one cobot. 
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• Great customer support: The team is ready to help you get the most out of RO1. 

Cons:

• Limited range: It focuses solely on RO1, so if you need something else, you might need to look elsewhere. 

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2. WiredWorkers.io

If collaborative robots (cobots) are what you’re after, WiredWorkers.io is second best. They’ve got the goods, plus they’ll help you set everything up, making the whole process as smooth as possible.

Pros:

• Cobot expertise: This is the place to be if you’re focused on integrating cobots into your workflow.
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• All-around support: From consulting to training, they’ve got your back.
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• Easy to use: The site’s layout makes it simple to find and purchase what you need.

Cons:

• Limited to cobots: If you’re after a wider range of robots, you might need to check out other options. 

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3. Automation Hub 

Automation Hub has you covered for those who need a little bit of everything. Whether you’re shopping for sensors, robots, or control systems, they’ve got it all under one roof. 

Pros:

• Good selection: From basic components to full-fledged robotic systems, they’ve certainly put a lot of stock into “variety is the spice of life.” 
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• Industry insights: Stay ahead of the curve with the latest trends and news.
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• Collaboration: The people at Automation Hub are focused on working hand-in-hand with every client to serve their unique needs. 

Cons:

• Overwhelming interface: The in-your-face design can be a bit much to navigate. 

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4. Automation.com

Automation.com isn’t just about selling products; it’s about building connections. If you’re looking to learn, share, and grow within the automation community, this is where you want to be.

Pros:

• Community vibes: Engage with others in the industry, share knowledge, and get advice.
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• Learn as you go: Tons of resources to help you make smart decisions.
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• Networking: Connect with other professionals who share your interests.

Cons:

• They don’t sell directly: Rather, they have a huge supplier directory. Plus, their interface could use a bit of retooling. 

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5. Automation24

Do you need specific components without breaking the bank? Automation24 offers a broad selection of industrial automation components suitable for various needs and budgets.

Pros:

• Great deals: Competitive prices make it easier to stay on budget.
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• Helpful customer service: Known for being responsive and making your shopping experience smooth.
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• Lots of parts: If you’re looking for components, you’ll find a good variety here.

Cons:

• Component-focused: They mainly sell parts, so you might need to piece things together on your own. Plus, their interface is pretty early-2000s. 

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6. RobotShop

RobotShop is a major destination for hobbyists and industrial users looking for a wide range of robotic equipment. Whether you're building a small project or need industrial-grade robots, they have a broad selection to choose from.

Pros:

• Diverse selection: Offers everything from small parts to full robotic systems, catering to both hobbyists and industry professionals.
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• Educational resources: Provides tutorials and guides to help users get the most out of their purchases.
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• They ship nearly anywhere: Ships globally, making it accessible no matter where you’re located.

Cons:

• ‍Not focused on competitive pricing: While they offer a broad range, some products can be on the pricier side, especially for more advanced equipment. But, to be fair, no one expects automation solutions to come cheap.

7. EU Automation

EU Automation specializes in sourcing obsolete and hard-to-find components, making them a reliable partner for businesses seeking specific or older parts.

Pros:

• Hard-to-find parts: Specializes in sourcing obsolete and rare components. They still have plenty of newer parts, though. You’ll find stuff by companies like ABB, KUKA, FANUC — all of the household names. 
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• Fast delivery: They’re known for their quick delivery times, which is crucial for businesses with urgent needs.
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• Huge presence: They operate in multiple countries, so you get broad accessibility — and global deliveries. 

Cons:

• Limited new product options: This option focuses more on older or hard-to-find parts. You’ll still find newer parts, but not with the same reliability as other options on this list. 

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8. Automation Direct

Automation Direct is a well-established platform offering a variety of industrial automation equipment, including robotic arms and accessories. It is known for its competitive pricing and extensive product catalog.

Pros:

• Competitive pricing: Offers great value for the wide range of products they carry.
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• Big product catalog: They have a vast selection of items, including hard-to-find accessories.
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• Focused on the customer: Strong customer service with a focus on helping businesses get exactly what they need.

Cons:

• Overwhelming variety: The sheer number of products can be a bit much for users who aren’t sure what they need. And yes, the interface could use a bit of touching up. Hire a graphic designer, you guys! 

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9. UsedRobotsTrade

If you’re in the market for refurbished and second-hand industrial robots, UsedRobotsTrade is the place to go. They focus on businesses looking for cost-effective automation solutions without sacrificing that much-vaunted quality.

Pros:

• Easy on the wallet: Offers significant savings on industrial robots by selling refurbished models.
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• They have strict QA protocols: Robots go through thorough testing and refurbishment processes.
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• Environmental benefit: Buying used equipment is a greener option.

Cons:

• Not so much availability: Stock depends on what’s available, so you might not always find what you’re looking for.

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10. Qviro

Qviro is an independent review platform and marketplace specifically for industrial robots, cobots, and automation products. It’s a solid choice for businesses that want to compare products, read reviews, and make informed purchasing decisions.

Pros:

• Independent reviews: Provides unbiased reviews from real users, helping you make smarter buying choices.
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• Comparison tools: Easily compare different products side-by-side.
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• User-friendly interface: Designed to make finding and comparing products straightforward.

Cons:

• Limited direct purchasing: While great for research, you might need to purchase products through a third party.

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Summing up

Choosing the right industrial robot marketplace is a major part of starting your automation journey on the right foot. 

Whether you’re after Standard Bots' specialized focus or need a wide selection like what’s available on Automation.com, each platform has its perks. 

One thing’s for sure: the platforms on this list will better equip you for success. 

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Next steps

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, RO1 by Standard Bots is what you’re looking for. This adaptable, budget-friendly six-axis cobot arm is designed to make automation easy. 

• Budget-friendly high performer: RO1 offers high-quality automation at half the cost of comparable robots.
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• More productivity: With its mind-blowing 18 kg payload capacity and high precision, RO1 helps you get more done faster.
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• Easy automation: Thanks to its intuitive no-code interface and powerful AI (on par with GPT-4), RO1 is simple to program and set up.
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• A focus on safe collaboration: RO1 comes with built-in safety features like sensors, machine vision, and collision detection, guaranteeing your team stays safe.
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Try RO1 out with our risk-free 30-day trial, and discover how RO1 can level up your shop floor. Contact our solutions team today.